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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who wears an eccentric, colorful coat?

2. Omakayas rises from her depression when _______________ visits.

3. What is spilled accidentally on Pinch's foot?

4. Who joins Omakayas when she feels Neewo's spirit?

5. What does Andeg discover one day that the family feasts on?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Omakayas help pinch when he burns himself with boiling syrup?

2. What does the mention of the cold weather being sudden and particularly harsh foreshadow?

3. What is Omakayas' experience with the bear cubs when she is off on her own?

4. What is in Nokomis' bundle that she says speaks to her?

5. How does the author explore the themes of the relationship between humans and nature and Omakayas' journey of transformation?

6. Describe Omakayas' preparation and attempts at her spiritual quest?

7. Why is Nokomis' story of a little muskrat especially pertinent for Omakayas?

8. What happens to the white voyageur who interrupts the community dance?

9. What does Omakayas witness as she comes to after being knocked unconscious by Tallow's dog?

10. What story does Nokomis tell Omakayas and the women which frightens Omakayas but moves the other women?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Nokomis. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Louise Erdrich's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where she did.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolism of the smallpox epidemic that infiltrates the village. What does it represent for the Ojibwa Indians? What does the smallpox really represent in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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